The saga of the Epirdean family begins among the people of the ancient tribe of the Picts. They lived in Aberdeen (now part of the modern Grampian region). "This ancient city, which is, by some historians, identified with the Devana of Ptolemy, is supposed to have derived its name, of British origin, from its situation between the rivers Dee and Don. According to tradition, Gregory the Great, King of Scotland, is said to have made the town a royal burgh; but little of its authentic history is known prior to the reign of Malcolm III." [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.

Early Origins of the Epirdean family

The surname Epirdean was first found in the county of Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern Scotland.

One of the first records of the name was John of Aberdene, a merchant of Aberdeen, who was robbed of wool at sea while on a voyage from Aberdeen to St. Omer in 1272. A few years later in 1290, Michael de Abirden was granted land in Berwick. [2]CITATION[CLOSE]Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)

Early History of the Epirdean family

Early History of the Epirdean family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Epirdean research.Another 91 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1290, 1295 and 1399 are included under the topic Early Epirdean History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Epirdean Spelling Variations

Epirdean Spelling Variations

Although Medieval Scotland lacked a basic set of spelling rules, which meant that scribes recorded names according to their sounds it was not uncommon for the names of a father and son to be recorded differently. As a result, there are many spelling variations of Scottish single names. Epirdean has been written Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Abirdene, Abirdeen, Aberdein, Abberdene, Abberdeen, Ebirdene and many more.

Early Notables of the Epirdean family (pre 1700)

Early Notables of the Epirdean family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Epirdean Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Epirdean family to Ireland

Migration of the Epirdean family to Ireland

Some of the Epirdean family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 77 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Epirdean family to the New World and Oceana

Migration of the Epirdean family to the New World and Oceana

Thousands of Scots left their home country to travel to Ireland or Australia, or to cross the Atlantic for the North American colonies. The difficult crossing was an enormous hurdle, but those who survived found freedom and opportunity in ample measure. Some Scots even fought for their freedom in the American War of Independence. This century, their ancestors have become aware of the illustrious history of the Scots in North America and at home through Clan societies and other organizations. Passenger and immigration lists show many early and influential immigrants bearing the name Epirdean: Charles Aberdeen who settled in Fortold in 1774. Nicholas Aberdeen settled in Maryland in 1775.

The Epirdean Motto

The Epirdean Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.